Ooh man, I just checked my record collection to see what a good place to start would be. I started with Overnight Sensation/Apostrophe, great playing some say his best band. I also love the period of Sheik Yerbouti/Zoot Allures etc.
But then things like Freak Out of Tinseltown Rebellion.
My favourite period is '73-84 roughly. Any record in these years will do. Great playing by Patrick O'Hearn, Scott Tunes, Tom Fowler, Roy Estrada during these years.